This review is of the three new products from MYCHANIC. Covered are their Detailing Rig, their Sidekick Stool-KK2 and their POD Light, all were provided to me by Delk, distributer for the MYCHANIC brand.

Looking first at the Detailing Rig (Model #52810).  It comes with all the necessary components in a box:

I used a soft mallet, blade and Philips screwdrivers, 17mm wrench and socket, to assemble following the easy to follow graphic (only) instructions.  It took under 30 minutes to assemble. 

The only thing I would recommend MYCHANIC add to their graphic instructions is in the third assembly step: to make sure the holes are lined up in the bottom tray with the frame holes, before tightening the four “A” 17 mm bolts that secure the two halves of the bottom tray.  I found the holes were fine on one side, but slightly off on the opposite side.  If they are off slightly, you will not be able to fit the studs on the wheel assembles through both the frame and the attached tray.

The assembled Detailing Rig is extremely well constructed and thought through.  It lists a 350 pound/ 158 kg capacity, and country of origin being China.  It comes with a one-year limited warranty. It lists at $109.99.

The Detailing Rig comes equipped with a number of useful options including the nicely sized soft wheels, lots of storage under the seat, spray bottle hanging racks, a wash bucket with removable grit trap tray, and of course a bottle holder.  I particularly like that the seat can be lifted off of its studs and put on the floor to use as a kneeling pad.  Very useful for working on the wheels, etc.

I found sitting on the unit a perfect height for detailing cars, as you roll effortlessly around the car.

Moving to the Sidekick Stool- SK2 (Model #52875).  It comes with all the necessary components in one box:

You need a Phillips head screen driver, 17mm wrench and socket to assemble following narrative text instructions with one graphic.  It is straight forward and easy to assemble, taking about 20 minutes.

The assembled Sidekick Stool- SK2 is a heavy-duty well-designed unit.  However, I would suggest two modifications in future iterations of the Sidekick: it has an adjustable height seat, but requires you to fully remove and reattach the four 17mm bolts, washers and locking nuts to accomplish this.  It would be much more convenient if you could adjust the seat by an easier process.  The other modification, would be to enable you to remove the seat (cushion) in a fashion similar to what MYCHANIC has done with the Detailing Rig.  I found there were times when working with the Sidekick, I needed to kneel for the task as hand.

The Sidekick has surprisingly convenient storage areas including drawers

And a drill holder/holster along with side ‘cubbies’

It includes a removable tray (that stores under the seat area), which includes a built-in slot in the handle to hold your iPad or tablet so you can play how to video for the project you are working on.

The assembled Sidekick is rugged, well-constructed and a very practical means of bringing your tools to the project.  It rolls on four soft large caster wheels.  It lists a 350 pound/ 158 kg capacity, and country of origin being China.  It comes with a two-year limited warranty. It lists at $109.99.

Let me now shed some light (sorry, couldn’t help myself) on the MYCHANIC POD Light (Model #52811).

This is a compact, very well made and relatively bright ultra-portable light.  It is rated at 250 lumens, and comes with the 3 AA batteries.  The batteries can power it, on the high output setting, for approximately 7 hours continuous use. The POD Light is imported, lists for $24.99 and comes with a one year warranty.

The POD Light includes a magnetic base that allows the light to be rotated 360 degrees, and the base itself adheres to anything metallic. The unit has a high and low output setting.  In addition to using it with its magnetic base, it can easily be hand held or rested near the area you are wanting to illuminate (if there is no metal for the base).

I found the unit just right for shooting light down in the engine wheel or for example, checking how much life is left on a brake pad.  The only thing that surprised me about using the POD Light, is that modern cars have very little steel often in the engine hood or around the engine bay, to enable the base to be magnetically stuck.

The only minor suggestion I have that would make it a bit more convenient, would be to eliminate the two small Philip screws that hold the battery case cover in place. It already has a sufficient built-in catch to secure the cover, and in turn, the entire case is inside of the two halves of the unit, when you screw them together after inserting the batteries.

In summary, MYCHANIC has three winning products that make detailing and wrenching even more enjoyable for ‘us gearheads.’

If you have a question, please feel free to ask!